Gulf States should thank Iraq instead of offending it, says Abadi

(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad – The Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on Wednesday that there are large numbers of volunteers wishing to fight with the army and al-Hashed al-Sha’bi militia, noting that these applications are greater than the government’s ability, while noted that the Gulf states and the region should thank Iraq instead of offending it.

Abadi’s office said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com, “The Prime Minister and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Haider al-Abadi has visited today fighters from al-Hashed al-Sha’bi militia in Zaidan area in the sixth division, Third Regiment, and had had breakfast with them,” noting that “he has listened to their proposals and requests to defeat the enemy.”

Abadi pointed out during a speech today, “we are fighting for our land, pride, dignity and our holy places. The Iraqis, the mothers and children have the right to be proud of you,” adding that, “despite the intensity of the war, there are large numbers of volunteers who want to fight with you,” pointing out that, “the Gulf states should thank Iraq and its fighters rather than offending it.”